Richard "Dick" A. Thatcher

Richard A. (Dick) Thatcher, 86, was released from his suffering and went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 24,
2020, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 22, 1933 to the late Earl R. and Mildred L. (O’Dowd) Thatcher,
the first of four sons.
Dick attended the Marion City Schools, and graduated from Harding High School in 1951. He met the love of his life,
Phyllis (Ware) in 1954, and they were married on August 11, 1957. They shared over 62 wonderful years together and
raised four children. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957 and was a lifelong member of St.
Pauls Lutheran Church in Marion, where he taught Sunday School and served on Church Council and numerous
committees.
Dick worked at the Kroger Co. in the produce department for many years. He then began his career at the Quaker Oats
Company where he worked for 25 years, retiring in 1990 when the plant in Marion closed down. Not ready to retire,
Dick went to work for the Private Industry Council, followed by Marion Power Shovel, and finally for Fairfield
Engineering. He then began his favorite full time job of golfing 5 days a week, and running 3 golf leagues. Oh, how he
loved his golf game!
Dick was very community minded and was involved in many organizations. He and Phyllis were involved in the Marion
Jaycees in their younger years and formed many lifetime friendships. He was a board member for Junior Achievement,
and sponsored a group of young entrepreneurs. Dick served on the Marion Area Council on Aging for many years,
assisting the elderly in the area. The Y-Men’s Service Club was a huge part of his life, as he was a life-time member and
held every office and earned every award in the organization. He loved selling Christmas trees every year for Y-Men.
Most recently, Dick and Phyllis were both involved with the Marion Senior Citizens, volunteering for many duties,
namely distributing the monthly food boxes.
Dick was probably best known for his Christmas light display at their home on E. Church St. He would start in late
October stringing lights and arranging his blow-ups and ornaments with over 8,000 lights, along with music. He loved
spreading Christmas cheer, and was so proud of the production. He would sit and watch the cars go by and slow down to
take it all in.
Dick was the ultimate fun loving guy. He never knew a stranger, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. We
joked that between him and his brothers, they knew most of the people in Marion. You rarely saw him without a smile
to share!
Family meant everything to Dick. He was a wonderful husband and father, and an even better “Gramps”, as his
grandchildren affectionately called him. He loved to pick on the kids, and loved it when they returned the favor. He was
famous for his beloved whisker kisses to all his grands and great-grands. He was always up for a game of euchre or
Rummikub and loved working puzzles. He was a jokester and had a zest for life that was infectious!
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis, of Marion and his four children, Marsha Thatcher of Rossford, Ohio; Randy
(Tracey) Thatcher of Lima, Ohio, and their children Mindy (Scott) Steed, Brooke (Dave) Cross, and Jim (Meghan Inglin)
Thatcher; Nancy (John) Robertson of Junction, Texas, and their children Kira (Cory Turner) Robertson and Tony (Emily)
Robertson; and Susan (Doug) Kielmeyer of Marion, Ohio, and their children Audrey (Matthew) Couts and Hannah
Kielmeyer. Dick is also survived by 12 great grandchildren, Isaiah, Olivia, Elijah, Jeremiah and Noah Steed; Waylon,
Keyleigh and Jensen Cross; Oliver and Felix Robertson; and Charlotte and Cody Couts. There were countless others who
claimed him as their “Dad” or “Grandpa”, who he loved as his own.
He also leaves behind a brother, Michael (Sherry) Thatcher of Huron and many nieces and nephews. His brothers Robert
Thatcher and William Thatcher preceded him in death.
Due to ongoing health concerns, a private family burial will be held, with a celebration of Dick’s life to follow at a later
date.
Family and friends may make donations to St. Pauls Lutheran Church at 930 Harding Memorial Parkway, Marion, Ohio,
43302, or to the Marion Senior Center, 2375 Harding Hwy E, Marion, Ohio, 43302.

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